Is your lawn looking a little worse for wear? Patchy, thin, or bare spots in grass can ruin the look of your garden — but don’t worry. Whether it’s caused by pests, foot traffic, pets, or weather damage, it’s easy to fix with the right approach. In this post, we’ll show you exactly how to fix a patchy lawn and restore your grass to lush, green perfection.
What Causes a Patchy Lawn?
Before fixing the problem, it’s important to understand why your lawn is patchy. Common causes include:
- Pet urine (especially dogs)
- Heavy foot traffic
- Weeds or moss overgrowth
- Compacted soil
- Poor drainage
- Lack of nutrients
- Drought or overwatering
- Fungal diseases or pests
Identifying the cause helps you choose the right repair method and prevent future damage.
Step-by-Step: How to Repair Patchy Grass
1. Remove Dead Grass & Debris
Use a rake to clear away any brown, dead grass, moss, or thatch in the bare spots. This helps fresh grass seed make direct contact with the soil.
2. Loosen the Soil
Use a garden fork or hand rake to gently loosen the top layer of soil (2–3cm deep). If your soil is compacted, aeration will help it breathe and drain better.
3. Apply Lawn Seed
Choose a quality grass seed mix that matches your existing lawn. Scatter it evenly over the bare patches and lightly press it into the soil with your hand or the back of a rake.
4. Add Top Dressing
Sprinkle a thin layer of topsoil or compost over the seeds to protect them and encourage germination. Avoid burying the seed too deep.
5. Water Gently but Regularly
Keep the area moist for at least 2–3 weeks. Water little and often, especially in warm weather, to avoid washing away the seed.
6. Keep Off the Grass
Try to avoid walking on the newly seeded area for at least 3–4 weeks while the grass establishes. Once it’s tall enough to mow (about 7–8cm), you can begin light cutting.
When’s the Best Time to Repair a Lawn?
The best time to fix patchy lawns in the UK is during spring (March–May) or early autumn (September–October). These seasons offer the perfect balance of warmth, moisture, and daylight for strong root growth.
Avoid sowing during winter (too cold) or summer heatwaves (too dry).
Quick Fixes for Small Bare Spots
If you only have a few small bald patches:
- Use a pre-mixed patch repair kit (usually contains seed, fertiliser, and coir)
- Water daily for best results
- Protect from birds with netting or fleece
These kits are ideal for time-saving repairs on high-traffic lawns or pet-damaged areas.
Preventing Lawn Patches in the Future
Once your lawn is back in top shape, it’s worth taking a few steps to prevent it from happening again:
- Aerate once a year (especially in high-traffic areas)
- Apply a balanced lawn fertiliser in spring and autumn
- Mow regularly, but don’t scalp the grass
- Water deeply, but not too often
- Train pets to use one specific area
A good lawn care routine goes a long way toward keeping your grass thick, green, and healthy all year round.
Need Help Restoring Your Lawn?
At Lawns & Hedges, we offer full lawn repair and maintenance services in Bishops Waltham and surrounding areas. From patch repairs and overseeding to full lawn renovations, we’ve got the tools and expertise to bring your grass back to life.
📞 Contact us today for a free quote or personalised lawn advice!